Barack Obama said he’s going to bring change but who would have guessed he was also bringing Chi-Chi-Chi-Chia. A Chia pet is a clay figure where you place within it grass seeds, then you watch the grass grow as it mimics hair. In this advertisement, Chia Pets has launched a new special product, the Chia Obama. It’s a clay model of Obama’s head and his scalp grows hair. This new product is said in the commercial to have been launched to commemorate Obama’s inauguration. When Obama was elected as the President of the United States in 2008, he was praised for being the person who will change the world by bringing change, opportunity, liberty, prosperity and hope.
When I first saw the advertisement, I felt it was ridiculous and silly that the president has been demoted to Chia status. This product is obviously marketed towards impulse buyers who feel by purchasing this, they’d attain a piece of history. Just like how a sword symbolizes truth, Obama has become a symbol of change. What’s ironic is that such a prominent and respected political icon has become an icon of entertainment and pop culture with the Obama brand name. It’s sad and ironic that American companies feel they can manipulate people into buying their products with their presentation filled with patriotic music, speech, sales tactics and the president’s face.
Examining this commercial spawns a greater outlook into the current state of America, where politicians are being taken as a joke and how pride and patriotism can be manufactured for consumers. The Chia Obama is sold as a symbol of what the president represents, change, opportunity, liberty, prosperity and hope. Being a proud American never has been so easy, before you’d have to fight in wars, fly your flags, sing the national anthem and vote in elections but now Chia has made it so simple, anyone can be a proud American for just $19.95 plus shipping and handling (Chia Obama). Maybe this will stimulate the economy.
Chia Obama. 02 10 2009
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